DENVER -- Close.
But still not good enough.
The Miami Dolphins not only matched the Denver Broncos for three quarters on Sunday, but led by 11 points, 28-17, to start the final quarter.
And then the roof caved in.
Peyton Manning led not one but two long touchdown drives against the Miami defense. And then, trailing 32-28, Ryan Tannehill threw an interception and the return set up another two-yard TD pass by Manning.
The last time Dolphins led by 11 or more entering the fourh quarter and didn't win? That was October 23, 2000 against the Jets.
The late TD by the Dolphins made it close. But the 39-36 final says the Dolphins have work to do.
And I think this:
The Dolphins defense continues to show it is good. But ...
Not.
Great.
Not by any means. It's not that they couldn't stop Peyton Manning this game. They couldn't stop the Denver running game.
The Broncos rushed only 10 times last week against St. Louis. They came out intent on running the football against Miami and did just that. Denver had 201 rushing yards against the Miami defense.
And no, the Dolphins couldn't stop the passing game, either. Manning threw four TD passes. Four.
None of Miami's defensive stars made big plays.
Cameron Wake didn't do anything noteworthy.
Olivier Vernon didn't do anything noteworthy.
"We didn't show up today," Vernon said afterward.
Manning was sacked once -- when he gave himself up after not finding an open receiver. Jelani Jenkins was was credited with the sack. It was Miami's only sack of the day.
Brent Grimes gave up a TD.
It was just a tough day for the Miami D.
Jimmy Wilson was penalized three times.
Not good all around.
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